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Nobody likes to pay taxes, but WZB makes it tolerable
I got a referral to see one of the CPAs at Willet Zevenbergen and Bennett after my finances were complicated beyond the capabilities of the wonderful 1040EZ.
The CPA spent a full hour with me...
I got a referral to see one of the CPAs at Willet Zevenbergen and Bennett after my finances were complicated beyond the capabilities of the wonderful 1040EZ.
The CPA spent a full hour with me getting to know me before we even started in on my financial situation. Although it was too late to do too much that year, he gave me sage advice for avoiding the need to make a big payment in future years as well as ways to reduce my overall tax liability.
In spite of a relatively complex tax situation I spend only a few hours each year to prepare for a one-hour meeting. A packet with instructions arrives in January that guides me through collecting receipts and support for claims.
The cost is well worth avoiding the hassle and mental strain of preparing my own taxes.
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The biggest blueberries ever
Bybee-Nims Blueberry Farm is at the base of Mt. Si along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River. They have acres of different kinds of blueberry bushes that were all brimming with huge, plump, tasty...
Bybee-Nims Blueberry Farm is at the base of Mt. Si along the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River. They have acres of different kinds of blueberry bushes that were all brimming with huge, plump, tasty berries the day we were there in late July.
Picking blueberries is far easier than picking just about any other kind of berry. You're not bent over like strawberries and there are no thorns like blackberries. Just grab a cluster of berries and pull it toward you. The berries roll off into your hand.
We had trouble getting the berries into the bucket and not our mouths, but after only an hour we had almost 10 pounds of the best blueberries ever.
Good luck finding berries this good in a grocery store or for about a buck a pound!
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Pet care at human standards
Beaver Lake Animal Hospital has been around since 1997. To call it a "hospital" is a bit overblown. Dr. Bennett is the only vet on staff (and owns the place). There are two examination rooms, but a...
Beaver Lake Animal Hospital has been around since 1997. To call it a "hospital" is a bit overblown. Dr. Bennett is the only vet on staff (and owns the place). There are two examination rooms, but a full operating room in the back. Dr. Bennett was educated at Washington State University, which may make it hard for a Husky to take his pets there, but you get over it when you realize how good she is.
We initially took our yellow lab to a chain vet in Issaquah, but were dissatisfied by the lack of personal attention and some serious misdiagnosis when she was a puppy.
Dr. Bennett set the record straight and although she claims to not be available for emergencies she'll often check messages when the clinic is supposed to be closed.
Beaver Lake Animal Hospital is a memer of the American Animal Hospital Association, which sets standards for animal care and facility cleanliness.
http://www.beaverlakeah.com
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Honest auto repair places are worth their weight in gold
Summers Automotive in Kirkland is a rare breed these days. I've taken three vehicles there on several occasions and have complete confidence that they'll never try to pull the wool over my eyes or do...
Summers Automotive in Kirkland is a rare breed these days. I've taken three vehicles there on several occasions and have complete confidence that they'll never try to pull the wool over my eyes or do anything that's not necessary.
How about with my 1974 Jeep that I'd rewired myself after it caught fire? Instead of recommending they rewire it for me they figured out the few spots I'd screwed up and fixed just that.
A 1993 Honda Civic that needed a little bit of everything including a new H on the front got only a recommendation for a new timing belt given the cost to fix everything was way more than the whole thing was actually worth.
Finally, a 1999 Isuzu Rodeo that we were sure needed some serious work turned out to only need a tune up and a new air filter.
In each instance Summers was happy to let the car sit on their lot for days while I was out of town and their staff was happy to explain exactly what they'd done as I nodded along in supposed comprehension.
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Pre-loved Kids Clothes & Gear
The Lost Mitten is full to the brim gently used kids clothes/gear and maternity clothes. I always seem to find some great name brand goodies for my girls there in really great shape. Gymboree...
The Lost Mitten is full to the brim gently used kids clothes/gear and maternity clothes. I always seem to find some great name brand goodies for my girls there in really great shape. Gymboree leggings, robeez, and baby Gap just to name a few. Go when you have some time because they have a lot to go through. The kids usually play with the toys while I am looking around and the owners are great about it.
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Great Breakfasts and Baked Goods
Need a great small town bakery experience? Head to George's. Their donuts are super yummy and they have a pretty good variety of other baked goods: muffins, eclairs, breads, etc. They also have...
Need a great small town bakery experience? Head to George's. Their donuts are super yummy and they have a pretty good variety of other baked goods: muffins, eclairs, breads, etc. They also have done awesome cakes for us. They were able to duplicate my sister's baby shower napkin freehand (none of that photo copy and lay on stuff). Our friends had their wedding cake done there even tho the wedding was 50 miles away if that gives you any clue how yummy the cake is.
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Hair, nails, tanning all in one place
Destiny by Design is a growing hair salon and mini day spa in downtown North Bend. In addition to hair styling for men, women, and kids they offer tanning booths, nails, massages, and...
Destiny by Design is a growing hair salon and mini day spa in downtown North Bend. In addition to hair styling for men, women, and kids they offer tanning booths, nails, massages, and waxing.
There's few things so fine in the dead of winter to enter a warm, welcoming salon for a little pampering. Although the main area is usually bustling with customers and staff, the massage area is quiet and relaxing.
For hair, make sure you ask for Jesse.
http://www.destinybydesignsalon.com/
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Hate to haggle? Have Dan do it for you
I met Dan years ago playing croquet (of all things) and quickly cemented a friendship. He's an auto broker not a salesman. It works like this.
1) Figure out what car you want.
2) Tell Dan as...
I met Dan years ago playing croquet (of all things) and quickly cemented a friendship. He's an auto broker not a salesman. It works like this.
1) Figure out what car you want.
2) Tell Dan as specifically as you can.
3) Dan tells you how much it is and where to pick it up.
Dan works with fleet managers all over the Puget Sound and since he brings them tons of business he gets the choice deals.
Not only has he found three cars for me over the years, he's helped my parents-in-law, friends, and family get killer deals on new and used vehicles.
He charges a couple hundred bucks per deal, but it's well worth it both from the savings you'll realize by working through him as well as the hassle you avoid by not having to work with sales folks.
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A few perks from a local car wash
It is the usual do it yourself carwash place, with the drive in bays for washing, vacuuming and the like. The prices and services of these are pretty typical for the region. There is an automated...
It is the usual do it yourself carwash place, with the drive in bays for washing, vacuuming and the like. The prices and services of these are pretty typical for the region. There is an automated touch-less car wash that is why we go. With kids it is nice not to have to wait in line and the kiosk allows you to use your credit/debit card which is the perk for those of us who never seem to have cash (basic wash only is around $5). You drive in and then the arms move around you, cleaning your car in about half a dozen passes. I was skeptical at the quality of the wash but it really was pretty good, only missed a few of the small nooks and crannies.
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